Wings of Change: How Digital Innovation is Transforming Aviation

Globetrotting. Expat life. Citizens of the world. Digital nomads. Remote from anywhere. The 21st century saw a change in circumnavigating beyond one’s imagination.?

Just like Jules Verne, the author of the popular adventure fiction ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’ rightly wrote:?

“Anything one man can imagine, other men can make real.”

What was considered a mystic feat that only the brave-hearted could embark upon or endure, is now a reality. Today, you don’t need 80 days to get around the world. You can do so in less than 43 hours. And, we mean the ENTIRE world in less than 43 hours.?

Aviation made people (and money) go places. The evolution of aviation went from being a glamorous affair to an everyday thing, almost as convenient as catching a bus.?

But what helped the aviation industry soar high? What made the jet-set lifestyle an everyday phenomenon? What role did digital technology play? In this edition of Beyond Endpoints, we’d like to take you Up in the Air (George Clooney style).

How Cockpits to Cockpit Chips Took Their Own Sweet Take-off

It’s hard to imagine, but there was a time when pilots relied on paper charts and analog instruments to navigate the skies. Think of the tense moments in Top Gun when Maverick and Goose were flipping through physical maps, searching for coordinates.?

While those days are long gone, replaced by sleek digital displays and real-time data, the transition from mechanical cockpits to digital cockpit chips was gradual. In the 1960s, cockpits were filled with analog gauges and dials, requiring pilots to manually interpret the data. The introduction of glass cockpits in the 1970s, with integrated digital displays, marked a major shift. By the 2000s, cockpit chips powered sophisticated avionics systems, offering enhanced safety and efficiency.

Aviation's Digital Takeover: Tech Transforming the Skies

Today, modern aircraft like the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 rely on fully digital cockpits, where over 90% of controls are automated. The global avionics market size was valued at USD 91.32 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 99.33 billion in 2024 to USD 179.44 billion by 2032. The digital systems that will help achieve these (crazy) numbers will also reduce pilot workload, improve situational awareness, and enable real-time data analysis, contributing to safer and more efficient flights.

Now, right from the moment we book a ticket (online, duh) to the time we leave the airport with our bags, digital devices have taken over. These devices not only bring significant efficiencies and seamless experiences to passengers but also use data analytics- from flight performance to passenger preferences. This data is then used to optimize fuel consumption, choose the most viable air routes, create one-tap check-ins for passengers, and win brownie points for the overall experience of flying.?

Digital endpoints, like tablets and smartphones, have hence become essential tools for ground staff, in-flight crews, and even passengers, streamlining processes and enhancing safety. Digital checklists, real-time weather updates, and automated systems help pilots make better decisions and navigate turbulent skies. Meanwhile, ground staff use digital tools to monitor aircraft maintenance, ensuring that every plane is flight-ready.

As airlines embrace the Internet of Things (IoT), we can expect smarter aircraft with real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, reducing delays and enhancing safety. The rise of wearable tech for crew and passengers will further streamline operations and personalize travel experiences.?

In-flight entertainment and connectivity are set to become more immersive with AR/VR, keeping passengers engaged. Check-in and passenger verification processes will be more seamless, thanks to biometric technology and the integration of autonomous systems for ground operations and even air traffic control. Moreover, advancements in AI and machine learning will further optimize flight paths and fuel consumption, making air travel greener and more cost-effective.?

The skies are truly the limit! Or are they??

Grounded by Data: The Critical Role of Digital Systems

The flip side of this digital dependency is the vulnerability to global outages. A single system failure can cause a ripple effect, grounding flights worldwide and leaving thousands stranded. We’ve seen this play out with high-profile IT outages (if you know, you know) that have disrupted not just travel plans but entire economies.?

And unless you really can survive being stuck at The Terminal (like Mr. Hanks), it’s a stark reminder that while technology has revolutionized aviation, it also requires robust security and contingency planning to prevent a digital catastrophe.

UEM: Navigating the Skies of Efficiency

Just as pilots rely on sophisticated avionics to navigate through the skies, airlines and the industry as a whole depend on UEM to maintain the efficiency of their operations on the ground to up in the air. From coordinating crew schedules to managing in-flight entertainment systems and ensuring that every device—from tablets to onboard Wi-Fi routers—operates seamlessly, UEM helps aviation yaw, pitch, and roll.

As we wrap up this edition, we can't help but marvel at how far the aviation industry has come. After navigating through turbulence—rising fuel prices, geopolitical tensions, and a global pandemic that made the world come to a standstill—the industry is poised for a strong comeback. With profits expected to cross $9 billion and global passenger numbers set to fully recover in 2024, the skies are clearing.?

As Eddie Rickenbacker, a decorated World War I flying ace, once said,?

‘Aviation is proof that given the will, we have the capacity to achieve the impossible.’?

Here’s to embracing new beginnings and soaring to new heights. Until next time, keep your spirits high and your eyes on the horizon!

Source: iata.org , fortune business insights.com